The first special flight operated by an Israeli airline to transport passengers from Dubai departed Dubai International Airport for Tel Aviv on Friday evening, October 2.

At 11.12pm UAE time, The Times of Israel confirmed, citing Flightradar24 data, that the Arkia aircraft had departed Dubai. It was the first special flight by an Israeli airline from Dubai since flydubai suspended flights to Israel.

The Arkia aircraft had flown empty from Tel Aviv to the UAE earlier in the day and landed at Dubai International Airport on Friday afternoon to transport passengers to Israel.

The flight was able to depart after several hours of uncertainty over flight permits, security arrangements and the handling of passengers’ luggage. Arkia had earlier said it had received the necessary approvals from UAE authorities. Under the arrangements, some of the passengers’ luggage will be transported separately by cargo aircraft.

El Al cancelled two special flights scheduled for Friday following delays in securing permits. Arkia and Israir, however, received the necessary approvals to operate special flights, with further services planned to transport passengers from Dubai in the coming days.